While dogs are well known for being excellent companions, not everyone is suited to introducing one into their lives. Here are some questions to ask yourself as to whether or not you are ready for a pet dog.
Do You Have Permission?
If you live with other people, it’s important that they are also on board with the idea of a new pet in their home. This might be your family, your roommates, or your partner. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a dog to decide together. Similarly, it is important to get permission from whoever owns your building or rents your home to you if you don’t own it yourself. Many landlords don’t allow pets on their property, so check with yours before bringing home a new dog.
Do You Have the Time?
Dogs are a huge time investment. Not everyone has a lifestyle that allows for the level of attention and care that a pet dog requires. Unlike other pets, such as fish, rodents, and even cats, dogs are extremely high maintenance and will need to take up a lot of your time. This is especially true if you want to bring home a young puppy, as you will need to spend time training it and bonding with it before being able to leave it at home by itself. You will also need time to:
- Take your dog for adequate walks,
- Build a relationship with your dog through play,
- Maintain a steady routine with your dog.
Do You Have the Money?
Dogs need appropriate food, enrichment, and healthcare. If you don’t have the money to provide everything they need to live a full and happy life, you should wait until you can afford a dog in the future. It is vital that you are able to care for your dog by having their medical needs met and you need to make room in your budget for this. Services such as easyvet.com can help you find the best healthcare for your pet.
Do You Have the Patience?
Compared to many other types of pets, dogs demand the most patience. While your fish may need their fish tank cleaned or your cat might meow too loudly, dogs have a special way of making themselves the center of your life. You will need plenty of patience for a dog of any age.
- Young puppies often have toilet accidents and take a while to train. You’ll need to be patient while they learn and grow.
- Adult dogs can have lots of energy to contend with. You’ll need patience to channel this energy to avoid destructive behavior.
- Senior dogs, like puppies, can sometimes have little control over their toilet habits. Patience is necessary to treat them with kindness and respect as they age.
Do You Have the Compassion?
Even if you have the space, time, and money for a dog, you will also need love and compassion. Dogs are highly intuitive and emotional animals, so by showing them love, you’ll be rewarded with years of loyalty and devotion.
